856d.00/12–3148: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Netherlands (Baruch) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
934. During conversation with Embassy officers referred to in Embtel 930, December 31, Boon made following additional points:
- 1.
- It is of utmost importance that Netherlands Government show imagination and take constructive measures immediately to prove to world that Holland intends to implement forthwith its statements regarding intentions to create working concern in Indonesia. Time is short and it is essential that steps be inaugurated before SC reconvenes.
- 2.
- The sending of Ambassador Michiels from London to Java may inject healthier atmosphere into prevalent political situation in Indonesia. Michiels during war was Beel’s closest advisor and constantly at his elbow. Idea now is that Beel needs an injection of new blood and counsel to counteract unhealthy atmosphere now surrounding him in persons of Dutch officials in Indonesia. Michiels is about the most able and diplomatic of all Dutch Ambassadors. He is going out with no fixed orders but has been given carte blanche to take whatever line he feels is indicated with view to effecting conciliation in Indonesia. Michiels is flying today from London and should reach Batavia Monday.
- 3.
- Hatta is the crucial figure in working out an interim government as going concern. Netherlands Cabinet believes that Hatta in past months has been entirely sincere and anxious to effect a negotiated arrangement with Holland but that he has been hampered and blocked by extremist elements in Republic. The Dutch are therefore most anxious to win him over and get his participation in and blessing for proposed new interim government.
- 4.
- The points of difference in latest negotiations with Hatta have now been eliminated, namely question of Dutch sovereignty involving High Commissioner’s powers and unified command, and Hatta has been released from TNI and extremists control.
- 5.
- Drees will leave for Batavia on Monday but details of journey are still unsettled. (British Ambassador told us yesterday his government asking permission from Pakistan and India for airplane to stop at Karachi and Calcutta.) Drees would already have been on his way but obliged to take inoculations before proceeding. He is showing great courage in this journey as he is not young and not in good health. He naturally has the backing of the Cabinet but Conservative Labor Party elements therein fear that party will “steal show” and capitalize on Drees visit and whatever action he may take in Indonesia.
In conclusion Boon remarked that Indonesia question had entered into new phase and that part to be played by personalities is of highest importance, adding that some recalcitrant figures (Dutch) would need disappear. He believed that Drees plus Michiels plus highly important cooperation of Cochran could bring about satisfactory solution for creation of a working and workable interim government with the collaboration of Hatta.